June Newsletter

#YouthWorkWeek24

Youth workers across Wales play a vital role in promoting and protecting children’s rights. To mark #YouthWorkWeek24, and to thank everyone who makes youth work so special and valuable, the Commissioner has recorded this special message.

Declaration of radical reform for care experienced young people

All children and young people have the right to reach their full potential, and it’s particularly important that this right, and all other rights under the UNCRC, shape our work with care experienced children and young people.

Last week Rocio attended the signing by the First Minister of the Declaration of radical reform for Children looked after and care leavers, highlighting what the Welsh Government will do to promote and protect the rights of looked after children and care leavers.

In March we published our own promise to care experienced children and young people.

Hawarden Pride Event

We had a fabulous time celebrating Pride Month at Hawarden school in Flintshire, running workshops on children’s rights to non-discrimination. Thanks to Flintshire council for organising this event and for inviting us to take part.

Refugee Week 2024

We were moved by this beautiful collection of artwork produced by refugee children, displayed by Swansea Council in a special #RefugeeWeek2024 event earlier this month.

It was an honour to attend and to listen to the young people who have found sanctuary in Swansea. Similarly, the Commissioner spoke at Swansea’s Schools of Sanctuary event, celebrating the work of schools across the county in providing a warm welcome to all the children and families who’ve moved to the area in search of safety.

International Day of Play

This month saw the first ever International Day of Play, with our team marking the occasion with a particularly energetic visit to Ysgol Rhosafan in Port Talbot.

Our video of the visit captures the fun of the day, and shares the results of our Monthly Matter for May, where over 2000 children and young people told us about their play and break times.

Celebrating International Day of Play with Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Rhosafan

Climate Challenge Cymru

It was a pleasure to be invited to the Senedd to speak at the Climate Challenge Cymru event in partnership with Earthshot, and hosted by Eluned Morgan MS, where children from schools in mid and west Wales presented their work and ideas on fighting climate injustice in creative ways.

Climate change is a concern we hear regularly from children and young people, and a topic we want to explore more. Keep an eye on our Monthly Matters resources and reports, where we ask children and young people about topical issues through a classroom-based discussion pack.

School and group visits

Thanks to all the schools and groups who’ve welcomed us over the past month. We’ve valued the chance to hear about the things that matter to you, and to tell you about children’s rights!